Lewisporte resident hoping to find answers about missing family in California

Randy and Paula Dodge are residents of Paradise, California and are currently reported missing. Their niece Megan Janes, who resides in Lewisporte, has been posting across her social media accounts hoping to spread the word and find answers for her family. The Paradise community has been heavily destroyed by the California wildfire, known as the Camp Fire, that still continues to rage. - Contributed

As the deadliest wildfire in California history continues, Lewisporte resident Megan Janes is working to find answers for her family.

Janes’ Uncle Randy and Aunt Paula Dodge are residents of Paradise, California. The community has been decimated by the wildfire, and search teams are currently in the area.

As of Wednesday, Nov. 14, the death toll stands at 48 people and is expected to rise, according to New York Times live updates.

As evacuation efforts got underway, Janes says her family, many of whom reside in the United States, reached out to her aunt and uncle. They have yet to hear back or learn the whereabouts of Randy and Paula.

When evacuations began early last week Janes took to her social media accounts in hopes of spreading word of her missing kin.

“On behalf of my family I’m just doing my part to help out,” Janes said. “I’m the only one that uses Twitter and social media to an extent.”

Thus far, Janes’ tweets have reached over 100,000 people and she has spoken with media from the Huffington Post to BBC News and the Sacramento ABC about her aunt and uncle. She says it has been amazing to see the reaction and reach her posts have gotten thus far.

Janes is keeping a close watch on news reports and postings across Facebook and Twitter as more information comes from people in the Paradise area. So far, there has been no updates on her aunt and uncle. She says one family member attempted to go to Paradise, but the area is blocked off as crews are still uncovering remains and identifying bodies.

The fire, called in media reports the Camp Fire, has burned through 125,000 acres and has destroyed over 7,600 structures (as of Nov 13). As the search efforts in Paradise continue, Janes says her family is preparing for whatever news may result in the coming hours or days.

“The whole community, everything is gone. Some people have been found now but my uncle (and aunt) is still declared missing,” Janes said. “It’s a struggle but we’re pulling through. I think my family is stronger than I ever gave them credit for. We’re preparing for the worst.”

Through a Facebook group Janes has been in contact with other people who have missing family in the Paradise area. She says her message to them is to keep searching for answers and hoping for the best.

“It’s not just about my family, it’s about everyone. We need to just keep sharing and helping each other,” she said. “I’ve gotten help from Australia, the U.K., all over the U.S. and Canada.
“We’re all in this together. No matter the end result, at least we’ve helped each other.”